Vibratory conveyor having spring-mounting cross-member assemblies

Abstract

A base-excited vibratory conveyor includes an elongated conveyor trough, and an elongated support structure extending generally beneath the conveyor trough. A plurality of springs operatively interconnect the trough with the support structure, whereby vibratory drive of the support structure effects vibratory motion of the trough for conveyance of materials therealong. The support structure includes a plurality of cross-member assemblies which facilitate operative connection of the springs to the support structure, while enhancing the structural integrity of the support structure. The overall conveyor construction can be relatively lightweight in configuration, thus facilitating economical manufacture and operating efficiency.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vibratory conveyor comprising: an elongated conveyor trough along which material is conveyed;   an elongated support structure extending generally beneath said conveyor bed; and   a plurality of springs operatively connecting said conveyor bed to said support structure;   said support structure comprising a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending base members, and a plurality of transversely extending spring-mount cross-member assemblies for connecting said springs to said base members,   each said spring-mount cross-member assemblies comprising a pair of end plates respectively connected to said pair of base members, a pair of spring-mounts respectively mounted on said end plates for respective mounting of a pair of said springs thereto, and a cross-member joined to and extending between said end plates, to thereby facilitate operative connection of said springs to said base members while enhancing the structural integrity of said support structure.   
     
     
       2. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said end plates is connected to an inwardly facing surface of the respective one of said base members, each of said spring-mounts extending through an opening in the respective one of said base members.   
     
     
       3. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 1, wherein said cross-member of each said cross-member assembly comprises a tubular member.   
     
     
       4. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 3, wherein said tubular member has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and includes a welded, overlapping seam portion.   
     
     
       5. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 2, wherein each of said end plates of each of said cross-member assemblies is connected to the respective one of said base members by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.   
     
     
       6. A vibratory conveyor comprising: an elongated conveyor trough along which material is conveyed;   an elongated support structure extending generally beneath said conveyor bed; and   a plurality of springs operatively connecting said conveyor bed to said support structure,   said support structure comprising a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending base members each having an inwardly open channel-like configuration including a web portion and upper and lower flange portions, said support structure further comprising a plurality of transversely extending spring-mount cross-member assemblies for connecting said springs to said base members,   each of said spring-mount cross-member assemblies comprising a pair of end plates respectively connected to an inside surface of said web portions of said pair of base members, and a pair of spring-mounts respectively mounted on said end plates for respective mounting of a pair of said springs thereto, each said spring-mount extending through an opening in the respective one of said base members, each said cross-member assembly further comprising a tubular cross-member joined to and extending between said end plates, to thereby facilitate operative connection of said springs to said base members while enhancing the structural integrity of said support structure.   
     
     
       7. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 6, wherein said tubular cross-member of each said cross-member assembly has a generally circular cross-section configuration and includes a welded, overlapping seam portion.   
     
     
       8. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 6, wherein each of said end plates of each of said cross-member assemblies is generally rectangular and is connected to the web portion of the respective one of said base members by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.   
     
     
       9. A vibratory conveyor in accordance with claim 6, wherein each of said springs comprise a leaf spring.